Outreach & Entitlement Specialist Licensed Housing

Bfnc-Inc-1; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 49,500 - 60,500; Full time

Job summary

Bfnc-Inc-1 in Buffalo, New York, seeks an Outreach & Entitlement Specialist. This full-time role connects underserved individuals to essential services like healthcare and housing. The candidate will conduct outreach, assist with applications for public benefits, and collaborate with various stakeholders. An Associate's degree and experience in customer service are required. Strong communication skills and a valid NYS Driver's license are essential. Opportunity to make a significant impact in the community by providing hands-on support.

Qualifications

• 1 year of experience working in a customer service role.
• Ability to keep written case notes and submit required documentation.
• Demonstration of a helpful, positive, and nonjudgmental approach.

Responsibilities

• Conduct targeted outreach and build trust with clients.
• Assist clients in navigating public entitlements.
• Collaborate with service providers and government agencies.

Skills

Valid NYS Driver's license

Strong verbal communication skills

Attention to detail

Familiarity with databases

Creative thinking

Education

Associate's degree in human services or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Apps

Job description

Job Title: Outreach & Entitlement Specialist Licensed Housing

Position Status: Full-Time

Position Classification: Non- Exempt

Remote: No

Department: Integrated Care & Outreach

Immediate Supervisor: Integrated Care & Outreach Coordinator

Salary: $55,000/annually

Job Summary

The Outreach & Entitlement Specialist plays a vital role in connecting underserved individuals and communities to essential services and benefits. This position is responsible for conducting targeted outreach, building trust with clients, and assisting them in navigating complex systems to access public entitlements such as healthcare, housing, food assistance, disability benefits, and other social services.

The specialist works collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to identify eligible individuals, assess needs, and provide hands‑on support throughout the application and enrollment processes. This position is responsible for the monitoring and recertification process for entitlements for individuals residing in a congregate living setting. This role requires strong interpersonal skills and a deep understanding of local, state, and federal entitlement programs.

Supervisory Duties

This position has no supervisory duties.

Essential Functions

Essential functions: Percent of time:

Outreach & Entitlements 80%

• Throughout the outreach process serves as a helpful, supportive, and nonjudgmental resource for community members.
• Build relationships with clients to understand their needs and barriers to accessing services.
• Assist clients in completing applications for public benefits and entitlements.
• Provides advocacy and transportation assistance as required for entitlements appointments.
• Assure that physician authorizations for Medicaid reimbursement are obtained for all residents prior to admission.
• Ensure that re‑authorizations are obtained in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
• Attend in person and/or participate in referral status meetings.
• Monitor hospitalizations and discharges.
• Collaborate with service providers, case managers, and government agencies to coordinate care and referrals.
• Stay current on changes in eligibility criteria, program guidelines, and available resources.
• Conduct outreach in community settings, shelters, clinics, and other relevant locations.

Data Management/Administrative 15%

• Participate in benefits related trainings.
• Participate in other required agency training courses.
• Thoroughly log all client interactions in systems as required.
• Track all client entitlements, recertifications and statuses.
• Keep accurate and complete work files, including records, documentation, and other materials. Maintain organized records of client interactions, referrals provided, and follow‑up activities.
• Track progress toward completion of project deliverables as defined by funding contracts.

Any other job responsibilities directly assigned to you by your supervisor. 5%

Education

Education: Associate's degree in human services, public health, or related field (or equivalent experience), plus one year experience working in a customer service role.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Valid NYS Driver's license with evidence of good driving record and vehicle in good working condition.
• Strong verbal communication skills and comfort with communicating in person and by phone, email, text message, and other mediums.
• Ability to keep written case notes and submit required documentation.
• Attention to detail and ability to understand and follow complex program guidelines and requirements.
• Comfort with computers and web‑based systems. Familiarity with databases, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps a plus.
• Knowledge of (preferred) or interest in learning the human services network in Erie County and regionally.
• Self‑directed and able to work well independently as well as part of a team.
• Creative thinking, sharing ideas that will help ensure project success.
• Demonstration of a helpful, positive, and nonjudgmental approach, showing respect and fairness for each client and for all stakeholders.
• Positive attitude with motivation to provide interactive and compassionate experience to those in our programs.
• Must exhibit a passion for BFNC's vision, mission and values and act as a role model.
• Must be able to work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds.

Ergonomics

Sitting, standing, stooping, bending, standard lifting up to 25 pounds, carrying, repetitive movements. Ability to operate and repair machines; prolonged periods of standing, walking, bending, and stretching. Must be able to access and navigate the site and go up and down stairs. All the ergonomic requirements must be performed without significant risk of injury to oneself or others or otherwise demonstrated or explain how one can perform essential functions of the position listed above with or without accommodations.

Workplace Conditions Disclaimer

Employees in this role may be required to visit environments where exposure to pests (including bed bugs, insects, or rodents), unsanitary conditions, secondhand smoke, or communicable health concerns may occur. The organization provides training, protective equipment, and safety protocols to minimize risks and ensure a safe working environment.